Abel Braga, the Al Jazira coach, says his team will be better prepared for the Asian Champions League next year after his side failed to go beyond the group stage for the third successive season.
Al Hilal came from two goals down at half time to defeat them 3-2 at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium last night.
Yasser al Qahtani scored twice and Mirel Radoi converted a penalty after Ali Mabkhout and Abdulla Qasem had scored to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break.
Braga said the club's main goals were to win the domestic league and the President's Cup, and once they have achieved that this season, they will focus more on the continental championship.
"I was pleased with the team's performance despite the defeat," said the Brazilian. "We were successful in the first half but couldn't keep that pace for all 90 minutes. Hilal scored score twice from dead-ball situations. One was a free kick and then the penalty, so I don't think we did much wrong in this game.
"I am also happy some of the players got some experience in playing in the ACL. They put a lot of pressure on Hilal, who found it very hard to win against us. They are a very good side and had to really work hard to win."
However Braga once again worries about the heavy fixture load placed upon his team.
"As a coach, I must look at the welfare of my players. I can't expose them to injuries," he said. "They had to play four important matches in three weeks and they are tired and exhausted.
"For instance, Subait Khater has been playing non-stop for the last six months. He has been playing both, for the national team and the club. He deserves a break.
"I have four injured players and others are tired. I need to give them a break as we have an important league game coming up in five days. It is important we win the league than drag all the way to the end.
"Our priority was to win the domestic league and the cup, and we will concentrate more on the ACL next year. We will plan this from the beginning of the next season."
apassela@thenational.ae